How many people have experienced bullying in the workplace? Surprisingly, a great deal of people will raise their hands. There are books and studies which reports an increase in workplace bullying over the years. People are leaving their current positions or certain professions in great numbers. A wonderful quote that I came across was," Employees do not quit their jobs but quit their employers." Bullying is one sure behavior that will increase incidences of high turnover rates, grievances, or lawsuits.
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| *Retrieved from Safebee.com |
According to the Webster Dictionary, bullying is one habitually cruel to others who are weaker. Supervisors may engage in dirty tactics using psychological warfare towards their employees. These psychological warfares consist of the following:
- Physical Environments - Make demands on the environment in order to make it stressful and unbearable where an employee will quit. For example, changing the work demands in someone's job description (e.g., workload, hours, work space, immediate supervisor, etc.).
- Personal Attacks - This will consists of verbal and nonverbal tactics to make someone feel uncomfortable. A person will use manipulation, inappropriate comments, make implications (e.g., employees' credibility, performance, and intelligence level), refuse to listen to a particular employee, and avoid making eye contact.
- Threats & Intimidations - Use words to apply pressure on a person in order to make them conform and give warnings. This usually leads to escalation in interactions where the "flight or fleet" concepts are used which most likely produces counter threats from employees.
- Falsifying Documents - Persons may build a case against the employee by falsifying documents such as the numbers of tardies/absences, disciplinary actions, and job evaluations to cause termination.
*Retrieved from Chicago Tribune.
Working in conditions that display bullying behaviors can greatly impact one's psyche. Some people come out better than others from these situations depending on the intensity, frequency of the bullying, and the length of time working in these conditions. Also, coping strategies used by individuals during these adversary situations will play a huge role in their outcomes. These environments can leave a person feeling incompetent, and having health problems such as hypertension, anxiety, and migraines. The average person spends 40 hours and more at their employment so it is imperative to work in a positive atmosphere. Hence, one should make active changes in their work environment particularly when it impedes their well-being.There are some lessons to learn from this situation. First, challenges are necessary to make growth socially, emotionally, spiritually, and behaviorally. Challenges remind a person what areas they made progress and areas he or she needs to make improvements. For instances, if you gain weight during this stressful situation perhaps coping better by eating healthier and exercising. Take these experiences as guidance on what were some Do's and Dont's for all parties involved.
To all those SUPERVISORS out there....Remember promises and oaths made when you embarked in this leadership position. Being a leader is a Privilege and a calling to make a DIFFERENCE. Do not Misuse your power!! Most importantly, play nice in the sandbox!!!
Employees should identify their self-worth and stances on various ethical dilemmas. Always remember to pick your battles. What are the consequences and gains? How will my decision(s) affect others? Is it worth it? In addition, it is critical to keep ongoing documentation of everything that occur at your workplace because it maybe needed later. Learn EMPLOYEES' RIGHTS especially labor laws and become familiar with any contracts. Identify when to consult a labor union representative. The ultimate decision is to decide how to respond to bullying such as whether or not to continue to resolve it professionally, file a grievance, acquire a lawyer, or quit. Finally, make a decision and do not look back!!*Retrieved form Baahitv.com
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